Resources On-Demand

Tax Dispute Resolution: Dealing with Audits and Queries from SARS (Pre-Assessment) - Session 1 - 2021

This webinar on demand is part of a series of webinars. Click here to read more

Overview

During the course of May to July 2021, a team of senior tax professionals from Bowmans together with Advocate Aakifah Louw (Group One Advocates) will anchor three interactive sessions on the broader topic of tax dispute resolution. The panel will share their practical experience and knowledge in navigating the increasingly complex and contentious field of tax administration and tax disputes by highlighting and discussing some of the more frequently encountered challenges in their respective fields. The webinar-series aims to provide delegates with practical tips and guidance on:

• Successfully navigating audits and queries from SARS before an assessment is issued, and interacting with SARS in the context of rulings and voluntary disclosures.
• Understanding and proactively mitigating the risk of SARS imposing penalties.
• Dealing with disputed assessments, including effectively suspending the obligation to pay a disputed amount, and practical advice on managing the dispute resolution process with SARS.
• Delegates will have the opportunity to submit questions which will be addressed in the live Q&A section at the end of each session.

Dealing with Audits and Queries from SARS (Pre-Assessment) – 13 May 2021

The speakers will provide practical insight into dealing with some of the commonly encountered challenges in tax administration, before an assessment is issued. The management of SARS-initiated audit and information-gathering processes is crucial in generating positive outcomes for taxpayers. However, the many gaps and uncertainties in the application of the rules governing these processes give rise to issues like delayed and protracted audits, “blocked” refunds, and overly broad requests for relevant material.

In this segment, the presenters will discuss some practical tips for navigating the audit and information-gathering process, including how to narrow the scope of a request for relevant material, how to prepare for and manage in-person interactions with SARS, and identifying and protecting your legally privileged information. A few topics that will be covered during this session includes:

• Managing requests for relevant material, including meetings and in-person interactions with SARS.
• How to engage with SARS to release delayed and "blocked" refunds.
• Proactive approaches to document management, confidentiality and legal privilege.
• Extensions of the limitation period for issuing assessments under section 99(3) and 99(4) of the TAA.
• Practically resolving unreasonably lengthy audit processes (including administrative law and constitutional remedies).
• Addressing rejected VDP applications and unfavourable rulings from SARS.

Who should attend?

Session 1 - Tax managers/consultants and heads of tax.